The recent Bellville Business Expo had an evident feeling of hope as entrepreneurs showcased their skills.
The expo, in partnership with the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), took place at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in Bellville and was open to the public.
It was preceded by a month long bootcamp attended by scores of entrepreneurs. The 30 businesses were selected to participate at the expo with all their costs covered.
At the expo entrepreneurs had the chance to show off their varied products, mingle with potential customers and also listen to talks at a conference.
James Vos, the City’s mayco member for economic growth, told the crowd gatherings like these were essential to connect local businesses to clients and investment opportunities.
“Bellville is a major investor drawcard in Cape Town. Between 2010 and 2021, the area welcomed approved building works valued at R7,3 billion.”
The area is one where consumers are spoilt for choice. In an economy one must be future-focused, he maintained, and Bellville is evidently a place the City sees as an investment in the future.
That’s one of the reasons why the City and the GTP are working on the “better.bellville.together” campaign, which aims to better the area and get others excited about the area as well.
Warren Hewitt, Chief Executive Officer at the GTP, said the response to the expo exceeded their expectations.
“The immense positive response only confirmed the need and readiness for such business programmes and events,” Hewitt said.
